This
gives a representative 3-D view of how the tectonism of the Lesser Antilles
is producing active volcanoes. The spreading ridge at the lower right is
causing the growth of the subduction trench. This in turn causes melting
of the overlying mantle and generation of upwelling magma. It is by this
process that the entire volcanic arc, which is the Lesser Antillies (with
the exception of Barbados) was formed. Modified from National Geographic
Society, Jan.1996.